HANDLING YOUR INITIAL INSURANCE CLAIM REQUEST

Submit your request for storm damage inspection, roof repair or entire roof replacement by calling our office or filling in our online form. We devote the same amount of attention to each request – no matter how big or small!
To better assist you, we will ask you about your contact information (name, phone number and email address), what type of service you need, how you heard about our company, and the best time to meet with you. We will then schedule the initial appointment and assign one of our roofing professionals to assess the property.

INSPECTION AND INSURANCE CONSULTATION
At the day of the appointment, our professionals will inspect your entire property for storm damage. A diagram of the roof and any other problem areas such as siding, gutters, and windows will be prepared and pictures will be taken. If you qualify for insurance reimbursement, we will describe which areas can be claimed. If your property does not have storm damage, we will use the diagram and photos to prepare your proposal for a retail price.

INSURANCE CLAIM ASSISTANCE
Subject To Agreement – Once you decide to use our company assistance in your insurance restoration process, a document called Assistance Agreement (provided by your roofing professional) has to be signed and given to your roofing professional.
Opening a Claim – Your assigned roofing professional will then assist you to call and open a claim with your insurance company. You will either receive your insurance claim number during that call or your insurance company will contact you later with this information.
Inspection with Adjuster – After an adjuster is assigned to your claim, he will contact you to schedule an appointment for storm damage inspection. It is very important that you call us right away to let us know the adjuster’s name, phone number, date and time of the inspection. It is your right to have your roofing professional present during the inspection – this can dramatically speed up the claim negotiation process.

At the day of the insurance inspection we will meet with your insurance adjuster. We will point out all the damages at your property, we will try to agree on acceptable scope of work to be done.
Insurance Loss Sheet – Once the inspection is complete the adjuster will prepare his detailed report called “Insurance Loss Sheet” and mail it to you. In some cases the report will be given to you right after the inspection. You will need to submit this report to Roofing Professionals of Texas for a detailed audit and once we ensure its accuracy your job scope and proposal will be prepared.

WRITTEN CONTRACT
After the above steps are completed, we will provide you with a proposal for the work be done based on the insurance claim settlement scope. Once you sign the contract and we procure the insurance ACV payment, your job will be forwarded to our production department.

JOB APPROVAL AND SUPPLEMENT
Your contract will describe a process called Supplementing. If the roofing professional discovers any missing items, we will submit a request to your Insurance Company to include (or “supplement”) these items and will provide you with a copy of this request to you. Your contract will specify job start date and expected completion.

JOB SCHEDULING
The next step in the process is scheduling your job. We will assign the team for your project and schedule installation dates (roofing, siding, gutters, painting, etc.). We will pre-order all the material and schedule their delivery. The dates will be coordinated with you. It is also important for you to know that all schedules are dependent on weather conditions. Each day the weather is not allowing us to work, your project will be delayed.

INSTALLATION
Roof Replacement – Our roofing crew will arrive early in the morning and start the tear off process.  To avoid exposing your home to inclement weather during the construction process, our crews do not tear off more than they can replace in one day.  The roofers will use your driveway to park a dump truck used to load debris and for cleanup purposes. We will take all necessary steps and precautions to protect your house, premises and landscaping or garden from any construction debris.

Material is delivered later in the morning, usually before noon. Our crew supervisor will verify all materials delivered correspond to what has been ordered.

After the tear off process is complete we will be able to determine the condition of the wood deck.  If any part of the decking needs to be replaced, the roofing professional will take pictures and will notify you about the quantity of necessary replacements.

After the roofing work has been completed, we will haul away all of the debris around your property. Nails that fell from the roof will be picked up with a magnet nail roller.

Siding Replacement, Gutter Replacement and More – If your job includes more trades such as gutters, siding or windows, additional departments will be sent to conduct the repairs. Usually the siding should be completed prior to gutter installation. If any painting or awnings have to be done, we prefer to schedule it as final step.

JOB COMPLETION
Upon completion of all trades, our project manager will perform a final inspection to ensure quality work standards were met. Your roofing professional will meet with you and complete a final walk through to make sure work was done to your satisfaction. Then, upon full payment, a completion certificate and warranty will be given to you to sign and later turned in to the office.

Once we receive your signed completion certificate we will mark your job as complete and withdraw your file from production. If your project is an insurance restoration work, we will submit final documents to your insurance company so they can release the depreciation funds to be picked up by your roofing professional on your claim.

FOLLOW UP
Each of our contracts specifies a warranty period for our workmanship. We take pride in our installation quality and provide a lasting service warranty, in addition to the best manufacturing guarantees. Anytime you suspect there might be an issue with our work, don’t hesitate to call our office – we will give your request highest priority!

Your Choice is Roofing Professionals of Texas.  Let us show you what makes Roofing Professionals of Texas the leading roofing contractor in Texas. Call us today at (469) 906-2600 or submit an online request. We look forward to serving you!  Contact us now or visit our website at www.roofingprotx.com.

www.facebook.com/roofingprotx
www.twitter.com/roofingprotx
www.plus.google.com/u/0/+FreddieReinwaldroofingprotx
www.youtube.com/c/FreddieReinwaldroofingprotx
www.roofingsolutionsexperts.blogspot.com

Kansas attorney general sues unregistered roofers

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced that his office has filed lawsuits against five roofing contractors for violating the Kansas Roofing Registration Act by failing to registerwith his office.

Schmidt said the following companies have been served with lawsuits:

Gregory E. Wright, Wichita, dba Extreme Home Solutions; Shawnee County
Mike’s General Contracting LLC, Derby; Mitchell County District Court
Roof PRS LLC, Holdrege, Neb., and Chanse Beinke, Smithfield, Neb.; Shawnee County
Super Siding LLC and Daniel Roberts, Hutchinson; Reno County
Taylor Made Exteriors LLC, Wichita; Sedgwick County


The defendants engaged in advertising, soliciting or performing roofing contractor services without with attorney general's office.

Schmidt is seeking restitution to consumers who did business with these unregistered companies as well as penalties for doing business without registering

GAF Roofing Materials Manufacturing Plant Receives Certification for Waste Diversion Initiatives

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — GAF has announced that its Tuscaloosa, Ala., facility is its second asphalt shingle plant in North America to achieve Waste Diversion from Landfill certification. Conducted by GreenCircle Certified LLC, this certification demonstrates the dedication GAF has to the responsible management of end-of-life materials.

The company has pioneered several initiatives to increase operational efficiency, reduce waste and divert material from landfill. Partnering with recyclers and like-minded organizations, GAF has not only developed unique ways to reuse waste material internally, but has also identified alternative uses for previously landfilled waste. Utilizing these progressive waste-management practices, along with innovative recycling initiatives, GAF achieved an impressive waste diversion rate of 94 percent at its Tuscaloosa facility.

“As Waste Diversion from Landfill emerges as a critical sustainable performance measure, forward-thinking companies are finding innovative material management solutions,” said Tad Radzinski, certification officer at GreenCircle. “With its second plant receiving GreenCircle certification, GAF is not only leading the way in waste diversion, but it’s also ensuring accountability and transparency in its sustainability claims.”

Continued growth in the green building market is prompting emphasis on sustainability for building product suppliers like GAF. Third-party certification of sustainability claims adds a level of integrity for manufacturers, which is key to establishing credibility and gaining consumer confidence. “Sustainability and transparency are cornerstones of our business strategy at GAF,” said Gregg Baran, director of specialty manufacturing at GAF. “GreenCircle certification verifies our claims and helps us showcase our waste leadership in a way that resonates with our customers and employees.”

For more information, visit www.gaf.com.

Texas bills target crooked roofers after Dallas area's hail horror stories

AUSTIN — Several weeks after signing a contract to get her roof replaced for $25,000 last summer, Mary Jane Pierson of Fort Worth started to worry she was getting scammed.

Her repeated phone calls to the roofing contractor weren’t returned or she was offered a litany of excuses about why the job wasn’t getting done: the company’s office flooded, the owner’s wife was in the hospital, shipment of the shingles had been delayed.

“I knew there was a serious problem,” she said, recalling the change in behavior of the roofer, whose initial friendly demeanor before he secured the contract — and a check for $14,000 — was gone.

Pierson, whose $200,000 brick home is still waiting for a new roof, said the contractor originally came knocking on her door — as did several others — last spring after a massive hailstorm in North Texas. He was very helpful and offered to get her insurance claim moving — so she agreed to sign a contract.

“Everything looked on the up and up. So I gave him the first check from the insurance company for $14,000. I now know I shouldn’t have done that,” she said.

Pierson plans to tell her story later this month in Austin when lawmakers consider bills that would impose new state requirements on roofing contractors for the first time. Currently, roofers are not required to be licensed or registered by the state.

Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, is sponsoring one measure aimed at protecting homeowners from dishonest roofers and roofing companies through state licensing of those businesses. A backup proposal by Carona calls for registration and oversight of roofers by the Texas Department of Insurance.

“I’m generally not in favor of a large amount of licensing of any of the occupations, but where roofing is concerned there is such a long history of abuse of consumers, particularly during periods after storms or natural disasters,” he said.

“Texas needs to put some safeguards in place to ensure that the people who provide new roofs are financially sound, meet the appropriate building codes and honor their warranties.”

Some in the roofing industry, especially smaller outfits, have complained that the proposals might prevent contractors from starting their businesses and increase costs to consumers. Others have praised legislators for trying to help to weed out abusers who’ve preyed on homeowners.

Roofers after a storm

Carona said his office regularly hears from constituents who have lost several thousands of dollars in scams by unregulated roofers.

Karen Fox, executive director of the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association, said the pattern of fraud is similar in a majority of cases.

“Within 12 hours of a storm, an area can be blanketed with roofers, many from other states. After making contact with the homeowner and offering a lower price, they ask for a down payment and say they will come back after buying the shingles. Then, they never come back,” she said.

“Homeowners get taken advantage of all the time. It’s a big problem in North Texas.”

Mike Crosby of Crosby Roofing in Dallas agreed the problem is widespread.

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve run into who had to pay for a new roof out of their pocket after a roofer took their money and disappeared,” he said.

A major reason homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are targeted is that they live in what many consider to be the hail capital of the nation.

Just last year, more than 40,000 homes and businesses were damaged by two massive storm systems that struck the area, requiring roof replacements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

“Unlike plumbers, electricians or even barbers, anyone can place a sign on their truck calling themselves a roofing contractor,” said Mark Hanna of the Insurance Council of Texas. “The result can be shoddy work, no work or outright insurance fraud.”

Those practices, which have become more commonplace, have made many homeowners leery of dealing with roofing companies — a situation that Hanna says points to the need for regulation of roofers.

He cited a council survey of registered voters last November, which indicated that more than four out of five Texans want roofing contractors to be licensed by the state.

Contractor went to Hawaii

Darrin Tatum, who lives on Lake Texoma near Pottsboro, is among those who strongly support new regulation of roofers, particularly after his own experience getting the roof on his home replaced after a hailstorm in 2011.

His roofer, who had placed yard signs in the neighborhood after the hailstorm, agreed to start work as soon as a contract was signed.

Tatum went on vacation for two weeks and returned to find nothing had been done. He couldn’t reach the roofer’s company and eventually learned he was vacationing in Hawaii with his wife.

“He was a shyster, big time,” said Tatum, who finally got his roof replaced months later and then learned the roofing contractor never paid for the $4,000 worth of roofing shingles that were used on his home.

Tatum said some of his neighbors had similar experiences with the roofer, who is no longer working in the area.

Fox said many of the problems could be prevented if roofing contractors were regulated by the state, which could then take action against those who defraud homeowners or perform shoddy work.

“We want our industry to be as professional as any other industry,” she said, noting that leading roofing companies and contractors are backing the legislation by Carona and Rep. Kenneth Sheets, R-Dallas. “It’s hard to compete against companies that cut corners and don’t have to meet building standards.”

She also pointed out that the state is losing sales tax revenue from the large number of roofers who don’t collect it.

Pierson, meanwhile, is looking forward to finally getting her roof replaced later this month. “I realize I am just one of many that this has happened to. But it will continue to happen to many more unless the state steps in and protects homeowners,” she said.

Possible changes at a glance

Bills have been filed in the House (HB 888) and Senate (SB 311) that would provide for state regulation of roofing contractors for the first time in Texas. The proposals are in response to widespread problems — including fraud and shoddy workmanship — mainly caused by smaller and out-of-state roofers. Among the possible changes:

Requiring state licensing of roofing businesses or registration and oversight of those businesses by Texas Department of Insurance.

Requiring standard form contracts for roofers and homeowners drafted by insurance department.

Requiring disclosure of roofer insurance coverage to consumers before contract is signed.

Prohibiting roofers from offering to cover an insured’s deductible as part of transaction.

Prohibiting roofers from adjusting insurance claims.

Creating a license holder database on Department of Insurance website for consumers to compare and examine roofing businesses.

Conducting background checks for roofers.

Exempting new homes and new commercial construction.

Roofing Professionals of Texas free roof giveaway

Roofing Professionals of Texas is offering a free roof giveaway to those who qualify. Contact one of your Roofing Professionals of Texas Project Managers for more information.  Roofing Professionals of Texas is a full service Commercial and Residential Roofing Company that focuses on providing our customers with the right information about their property, issues affecting their property, and the ideal solution for their particular problems with an emphasis on the highest quality of service and most substantial R.O.I. for the customer. We believe that a well-informed customer is able to make the best decision that will eliminate any problems that existed prior to contacting Roofing Professionals of Texas. Our services range from small repairs, complete residential re-roofs to major commercial installations. We are able to service our customers with any insurance needs, new construction projects and remodels.  

Our customers range from first time home buyers with young families to seniors, small businesses and large corporations providing customers with professionalism and honesty that is unsurpassed. We work with builders, investors, management companies and owners to help our clients obtain a beautiful home of value and quality. The proof is in our track record of the repeat business that we continue to provide for our clients today. These relationships have been built over construction -projects successfully completed with clients during our many years in business.  

Dallas Fort Worth Area 469-906-2600
Nationwide 855-631-ROOF

Residential & Commercial Roofing Professionals 

When Insurance Companies Hide Behind their Experts in Texas

One tactic insurance companies use to circumvent bad faith liability is claiming that they reasonably relied on their experts’ reports to deny a claim. Texas law on bad faith states that an insurer breaches its duty of good faith when: (1) denies or delays payment of a claim for which liability is reasonably clear, and (2) the insurer knew or should have known that liability was reasonably clear. For that reason, insurance companies often claim that because their retained experts decided that there was no valid insurance claim, liability was not reasonably clear and they should not be found liable for bad faith. Courts typically side with insurance companies on this issue, but sometimes the facts of a case require courts to doubt this argument, just as the Texas Supreme Court did in State Farm Lloyds vs. Nicolau, 951 S.W.2d 444 (Tex. 1997). 

In Nicolau, a homeowner filed a lawsuit against its insurer for foundation and other structural damage that resulted from a plumbing leak that introduced water into the clay subsoil. The insurer retained an expert, HAAG Engineering¸ to conduct a study on the homeowner’s claim. It was established in Nicolau that the insurer hired HAAG Engineering with the belief that HAAG Engineering generally believed that leaks beneath a house would not cause foundation movement. As expected, the HAAG engineer concluded that there was no damage near the leak, but evidence showed that his investigation was not thorough because: (1) he did not isolate the leak; (2) he failed to determine the leak’s severity; and (3) he did not take any soil samples. The HAAG report concluded that the plumbing leak had not caused the damage, and the insurer denied the claim based on the HAAG report.

The Texas Supreme Court stated that an insurer’s reliance upon an expert’s report alone will not necessarily shield the insurer from liability if there is evidence that the report was not objectively prepared or the insurer’s reliance was unreasonable. Overturning an intermediate appellate court decision, the Texas Supreme Court found that there was evidence to support the jury’s finding that the insurer denied the claim in bad faith because there was evidence from which the jury could infer that HAAG’s reports were not objectively prepared, that the insurer was aware of HAAG’s lack of objectivity, and that the insurer’s reliance on the reports was merely pretextual.

Nicolau reaffirmed the long-established idea that insurance companies cannot expect their experts’ reports alone to shield them from bad faith liability.

Insurance companies commonly deny claims.  Here are some of the biggest rationales of the insurance industry.

1. Routinely adjusts valid claims with a predisposition of denial instead of paying it.

2. They routinely obscure the truth to their insured(s).

3. They routinely lowball their insured(s).

4. They routinely "drag their feet" in paying justified claims when all the facts and evidence merit prompt payment.

5. They routinely force their insured(s) into litigation - and why not? They have an army of attorneys in any given state and it's often cheaper to fight/deny the claim(s) than to pay it/them.

6. They routinely "force" their insured(s) to retain counsel to represent their interests in the litigation process.

Insurance Company Bad Faith Claims

One tactic insurance companies use to circumvent bad faith liability is claiming that they reasonably relied on their experts’ reports to deny a claim. Texas law on bad faith states that an insurer breaches its duty of good faith when: (1) denies or delays payment of a claim for which liability is reasonably clear, and (2) the insurer knew or should have known that liability was reasonably clear. For that reason, you need a team like Roofing Professionals of Texas, because insurance companies often claim that because their retained experts decided that there was no valid insurance claim, liability was not reasonably clear and they should not be found liable for bad faith. Courts typically side with the facts of a case which  require courts to doubt this argument, just as the Texas Supreme Court did in State Farm Lloyds vs. Nicolau, 951 S.W.2d 444 (Tex. 1997).

What happened was a homeowner filed a lawsuit against its insurer for foundation and other structural damage that resulted from a plumbing leak that introduced water into the clay subsoil. The insurer retained an expert, HAAG Engineering¸ to conduct a study on the homeowner’s claim. It was established in Nicolau that the insurer hired HAAG Engineering with the belief that HAAG Engineering generally believed that leaks beneath a house would not cause foundation movement. As expected, the HAAG engineer concluded that there was no damage near the leak, but evidence showed that his investigation was not thorough because: (1) he did not isolate the leak; (2) he failed to determine the leak’s severity; and (3) he did not take any soil samples. The HAAG report concluded that the plumbing leak had not caused the damage, and the insurer denied the claim based on the HAAG report.

The Texas Supreme Court stated that an insurer’s reliance upon an expert’s report alone will not necessarily shield the insurer from liability if there is evidence that the report was not objectively prepared or the insurer’s reliance was unreasonable. Overturning an intermediate appellate court decision, the Texas Supreme Court found that there was evidence to support the jury’s finding that the insurer denied the claim in bad faith because there was evidence from which the jury could infer that HAAG’s reports were not objectively prepared, that the insurer was aware of HAAG’s lack of objectivity, and that the insurer’s reliance on the reports was merely pretextual.

That claim reaffirmed the long-established idea that insurance companies cannot expect their experts’ reports alone to shield them from bad faith liability.

Insurance companies commonly deny claims.  Here are some of the biggest rationales of the insurance industry:

1. Routinely adjusts valid claims with a predisposition of denial instead of paying it.

2. They routinely obscure the truth to their insured(s).

3. They routinely low-ball their insured(s).

4. They routinely "drag their feet" in paying justified claims when all the facts and evidence merit prompt payment.

5. They routinely force their insured(s) into litigation - and why not? They have an army of attorneys in any given state and it's often cheaper to fight/deny the claim(s) than to pay it/them.

6. They routinely "force" their insured(s) to retain counsel to represent their interests in the litigation process.

Roof Insurance Claims in Texas

It pays to have us on your roof with an insurance adjuster

Did you know that most insurance claims in the U.S. are grossly underpaid? Even worse, many legitimate claims are completely denied. This doesn't necessarily mean that your insurance company is out to cheat you. However, when it comes to spotting roof damage, we've spent a lot more time on rooftops than even an insurance adjuster.  

Elite Roofing Solutions technicians know what to look for regarding roof damage and may be able to see problems that the adjuster doesn't. We have worked with many insurance adjusters over the years and take a non-adversarial approach when talking with them. Let us represent you.

Hail damage

Let’s say you have hail damage on your roof. A common practice for insurance companies is to mark a 10’ x 10’ square and count the number of hail marks. However, the section of roof they choose to measure can have a big impact on whether you get a new roof or your claim gets denied.

Unnecessary Claims

Let's say you think you have a claim, so you call your insurance agent. After an inspection they decide that the damage is minimal and the insurance company will only cover the repair or won't cover the claim at all.  Had you already known this, it may have made more sense to just pay out-of-pocket for the damage or ignore the problem completely. 

However, now that a claim has been filed, that information will likely be added to your CLUE report[1], which is a history of property-damage claims that could result in a rate increase or affect your ability to buy affordable insurance in the future.   If you suspect roof damage, call Elite Roofing Solutions first. We'll inspect the damage and offer a recommendation regarding contacting your insurance company.

We can help even if the insurance adjuster has already made a decision

It’s best if we can represent you during the initial inspection. However, if your claim was rejected and you think you have a legitimate claim, let us take a look at the damage. If we don’t agree with the adjuster’s investigation, we’ll recommend a second inspection. Rarely will they refuse, but the claim handler may ask for photos of the damage. 

We’d be happy to take the photos for you and forward them to the decision-maker.

---

[1] CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (insurance); The C.L.U.E. Personal Property report provides a seven year history of losses associated with an individual and his/her personal property. The following data will be identified for each loss: date of loss, loss type, and amount paid along with general information such as policy number, claim number and insurance company name.

Commercial Roofing: Evaluating Your Roof

Identifying signs of potential commercial roofing problems before leaks begin will save time and money.

Sometimes signs of a roof problem are obvious, such as the edge flashing tearing away or peeling back. Once this happens, you should know to immediately contact a roofing professional like Roofing Professionals of Texas.   Below are common types of commercial roofing and problems that indicate roof leaks or conditions that could signal the potential for leaks. If you observe these signs of trouble, contact a roof professional to help determine next steps. For guidance on choosing a roofing professional like Roofing Professionals of Texas, please see Hiring a Roofing professional like Roofing Professionals of Texas. For information about metal coverings on a parapet wall or expansion joints, please see “Evaluating Flashing and Coping.”

Commercial Roofing

Built-Up Roof (BUR)/Modified Bitumen (MB):

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

If any of the following conditions are present, see section D (Water Damage) below.

·         Bubbles / blisters;

·         Ridges – membrane blisters in longitudinal form;

·         Cracks in the membrane;

·       Excessive wear around connections to parapet walls and connections to penetrations through the roof such as hatches or curbs for roof equipment;

·         Tears and punctures through one or more layers of the cover;

·         Long-term standing water – evident by the presence of mold or vegetative growth;

·         Excessive weathering resulting in loss of embedded gravel for BUR;

·         Excessive weathering resulting in loss of granules for MB;

Single Ply Membrane (SPM):

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

If any of the following conditions are present, see section D (Water Damage) below.

·         Membrane tenting / shrinkage – pulling away from the edges

·         Excessively loose membrane

·         Worn seams

·         Brittle membrane or adhesives used to repair seams

·         Membrane tears, punctures, cuts

·         Gaps in membrane

·         Mechanical fasteners / screws “stand-off” or backing out

·         Long term standing water – evident by the presence of mold or vegetative growth

Sprayed Polyurethane Foam (SPF):

INSPECTION CHECKLIST

If any of the following conditions are present, see section D (Water Damage) below.

·         Excessive weathering (which can erode the SPF or caused loss of the acrylic coating)

·         Long-term standing water – evident by spot loss of acrylic coating or the entire SPF

·         Tears and punctures through one or more layers of the interplay

Water Damage – BUR, MB, SPM, SPF:

Signs you could have a water damage problem:

·         Visible water damage from below a roof deck will depend on the type of roof cover system and roof deck, as well as the amount of damage. Some roof cover systems can absorb an extensive amount of water. Prolonged trapped moisture can result in corrosion and premature degradation of the deck.

·         Gypsum, wood, and cementitious wood decks with roof leaks will show water stains on the underside of the deck.

·         Steel, lightweight insulating concrete on steel form deck, and concrete decks will not show early visible signs.

·         Even if roof leaks are not visible from below in a monolithic deck such as a structural concrete slab, prolonged roof leaks may eventually be visible along a perimeter wall or by spauling from the bottom surface. This will depend on the size of the leak, duration, and location relative to the slope of the roof to the wall.

Metal Panel (Structural):

STANDING SEAM METAL PANEL

Roof Inspection Checklist: If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” there is a potential problem.

·         Is there deformation or bending of the standing seams?

·         Is there any delamination or opening of the standing seam?

·         Are there visible leaks near the clip screws penetrating the deck?

·      When fiberglass batt insulation is present below the metal panels, are there water stains?

NOTE: Even if roof leaks are not visible from below, prolonged roof leaks may eventually be visible along a perimeter wall. This will depend on the size of the leak, duration, and location relative to the slope of the roof to the wall.

Lap Seam / Through Fastened Metal Panel:

Roof Inspection Checklist: If the answer to any of these questions is “yes” there there is a potential problem.

·            Are there worn gaskets / washers between screw heads and the metal panel?

·         Are there under-driven screws (sticking up) that could allow water to penetrate between the screw and panel?

·         Are there overdriven screws (too far in) that are deforming the gasket / washer?

·            Are there visible leaks near the screws penetrating the deck?

·            When fiberglass batt insulation is present below the metal panels, are there water stains?

NOTE: Even if roof leaks are not visible from below, prolonged roof leaks may eventually be visible along a perimeter wall. This will depend on the size of the leak, duration, and location relative to the slope of the roof to the wall.

Water Damage – Metal Panel (Structural):

If the roof has any of the above conditions in Section E, contact Roofing Professionals of Texas 469-906-2600.

TPO (Thermoplastic polyolefin) on your Roof

Roofing systems characteristically get care only when they need upkeep. As long as a roof needs marginal repairs and keeps the contents of a facility dry and safe, maintenance and engineering managers have little think about —or so the thinking goes.

But roofing manufacturers say there is quite a bit to contemplate, especially when considering single-ply systems. According to manufacturers, these systems continue to harvest interest, thanks in part to the cost and performance benefits they deliver.

Although varieties of single-plies have been around for more than 40 years, only in the last decade has the full performance potential of the systems been realized with the advent of new thermoplastic formulations. New plies also are increasingly economical, say manufacturers, and particularly favored by consumers when they carry Energy Star ratings.

System Options

Single-plies exist predominantly as two types: vulcanized unweldable elastomerics — nearly all of which are based on an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber — and weldable thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) and thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO).

EPDM remains a popular roofing choice because of its durability and economy, manufacturers say. Usually ballasted or adhered, EPDM systems have a proven performance record after several decades of use.

PVC has also been around for several decades; because of the formulation of PVC, many roofing manufacturers recommend it for installations that require chemical-impervious roofing.

TPO is the fastest-growing category of single-ply systems. Manufacturers say its market share is beginning to grow because TPO costs are coming down and because of the numerous benefits of using the material.

System Benefits

There’s significant push for TPO systems because of its environmentally friendly nature, because it’s a recyclable product, and because of its energy-saving characteristics.

But TPO systems are newer products that do not have the performance history of some single-plies. Some manufacturers also say that TPO formulations continue to be tweaked to improve longevity and weathering.

Ultimately, TPO formulation remains a balancing act between fire retardants in the formula and the stability of UV-light protection elements in the formula,.

Adding that most, if not all, TPO systems remain in an “incremental improvement stage.” Manufacturers have established durable base formulations but introduce small changes to improve certain qualities, including fire resistance.

TPO first was used more than 20 years ago to sheathe buried cable and protect other sub-grade materials.

Specifiers in institutional and commercial facilities are learning about TPO performance and more often choosing it over other single-plies because costs are coming down. TPO material costs are higher than those for EPDM, but installation labor costs are lower.

Another reason specifiers favor TPO is because uncolored versions frequently carry an Energy Star rating. To meet Energy Star

Increasing numbers of property owners seek the benefits of reflective roofing. You get the potential of energy savings, with distinct environmental benefits and the good public relations opportunities that also come with it.

By reflecting solar energy, reflective roofing lessens summertime cooling loads, saving facilities money. Because Energy Star roofing by definition has high emissivity — giving off heat, rather than holding it — it also reduces the urban heat island effect.

Keeping it Clean

Over time, however, roofing materials accumulate dirt or grow mold, lessening roof reflectivity. To continue reaping the benefits of reflective roofing, managers should clean the roof, using a power washer, a minimum of once annually.

Mold is a sensitive topic for roofing suppliers and maintenance managers alike. Some companies, including Roofing Professionals of Texas, use fungicides or algaecides in TPO formulations to combat mold growth. But these biocides do not always prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, and some might lose effectiveness over time.

Other mold-eradication options exist, especially for the Southeast United States, where geography and weather conditions tend to support mold growth.

Mold grows on all kinds of roofing materials, not just single-ply. We’ve discovered that water passed over zinc kills fungal growth. For sloped roofs, possibly incorporating zinc ridge strips so that a natural rainwater wash kills roof molds.

GAF makes a family of membranes designed to fight molds, and the company is establishing a mold resource page on its Web site to give managers information on strategies to fight mold. Regardless of the methods used to prevent mold build-up, manufacturers stress the need to wash roofing regularly.

The only way to keep a roof clean and truly, effectively get rid of mildew is to spray the roof.

Maintenance Matters

Also vital to the health of single-ply roofing systems are regular inspections of the membrane. Manufacturers encourage maintenance managers to schedule roofing inspections at least yearly, to clear debris and check seams, flashing joints and vent boots for signs of damage. If protective coatings are used, managers also should have inspectors check and repair those as needed.

Gardner recommends managers keep a roof log and offers the following tips to keep single-ply roofing in top shape: criteria, low-slope roof materials must have an initial solar reflectance greater than 65 percent. After three years in place, reflectivity must remain greater than 50 percent.

·         Maintain a roof maintenance file, keeping a log of repairs or service done to the roof, as well as other work not directly related to the roof, such chiller maintenance, which requires rooftop traffic. The log should include inspection dates, with notes of any findings.

·         Inspect roofs twice yearly.

·         Inspect roofs after severe weather. Severe weather, including hail and strong winds, can damage roofing.

·         Promptly remove debris from roof.

·         Minimize rooftop traffic.

“Most damage to roofing occurs during construction, particularly if other trades use the roof as a staging area.

Gardner agrees that workers are often a common cause of membrane punctures.

“Minimizing the number of people and the need for them to be on the roof helps maximize membrane integrity.

TPO Trends

Until several years ago, U.S. manufacturers crafted TPO membranes in thicknesses of 45-60mm. Meanwhile, European manufacturers were creating thicker membranes. But that has changed. Now, U.S. manufacturers have bulked up their ply thicknesses, making membranes up to 80mm thick.

We are seeing more customers requesting thicker membranes, switching, say, from 48mm to 60mm membranes. Generally, there’s no difference in labor costs for different thicknesses. The only cost difference is in the material itself, and those costs usually aren’t that significant. Remember that thicker materials are less likely to puncture, will last longer and carry longer factory warranties.

That is why when bidding out jobs, managers should ask for bids on at least three membrane thicknesses. Many specifiers also are increasingly choosing mechanically fastened membranes over adhered or ballasted.

It can be difficult and frustrating to find leaks on ballasted roofing because it requires contractors to move aside massive amounts of aggregate.

Manufacturers also say that mechanically fastened systems are stronger and require less installation time than adhered or ballasted systems. Mechanically fastened systems use few, if any, adhesive solvents, a consideration for managers who want to maximize environmental responsibility.

Although PVC and EPDM remain appropriate choices in some environments, TPO has emerged as a growing player in the single-ply roofing market. The material’s combination of strength, energy-efficiency returns and economy makes it an increasingly appealing option for managers.

Despite these benefits, managers need to invest the time to conduct regular rooftop inspections, minimize roof traffic, and — when using an Energy Star roof — wash the membrane to help it retain its efficiency.

Dallas + Roofer  Dallas + Roofing  Dallas + Roofing Contractor  Dallas + Roofing Service  Dallas + Re Roof  Dallas + Roof Repair  Dallas + Roofers  Dallas + Roofing contractors  Dallas + Roofing Services  Dallas + Commercial Roofer  Dallas + Commercial Roofing Contractor  Roofer In Dallas  Roofing In Dallas  Roofing Contractor In Dallas  Roofing Service In Dallas  Re Roof In Dallas  Roof Repair In Dallas  Roofers In Dallas Roofing contractors In Dallas Roofing Services In Dallas  

Best Roofer in Dallas  Roof   how to roof  roofing  roofs  metal roofing  roofing shingles  roof shingles  steel roofing  roofer  roofing contractor  roof repair  roofing contractors  roofing companies  roofers  shingle roof  how to shingle a roof  roofing company  new roof  roof replacement  roofing repair  roofing supplies  roofing materials  roofing material  roof materials  roofing cost  new roofing  roof installation  commercial roofing  roofing products  roofing installation  roof contractors  roof contractor  roofing costs  roofing prices   roofing systems   roof repairs   rubber roofing  roof leak  slate roof   roofing service   best roofing   residential roofing

roofing repairs   roofing calculator   types of roofing   roofing shingles prices   steel roofing prices   Forth Worth roofing  concrete roof  dallas roofing  roofing services   flat roofs   epdm roofing    clay roof   re-roofing   re roofing   roofing tar   metal roofing installation   roof repair cost   roof repair contractors    roofing felt

leaky roof    roofing fort worth   copper roofing   roofing estimates   metal roof installation   flat roof repair   concrete tile roof   roofing jobs   quality roofing   corrugated roofing panels   commercial roofing contractors   metal roofing contractors   affordable roofing   torch down roofing   commercial roofing contractor  diy roofing  composite roofing   roofing paper   tile roof repair  roofing contractors association  decra roofing  Dallas roofing companies  roofing contractors tx  discount roofing  roofing contractors Dallas  metal roofing contractor  epdm rubber roofing  architectural roof shingles roofing contractors texas  roof shingles   manufacturers  national roofing contractors association  interlock roofing  Fort Worth roofing contractor  roofing contractors Dallas  barrel tile roof  Dallas roofing contractor  spanish tile roofing  residential roofing contractor